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Product Description

Platform: PC | Edition: Enhanced

Product Description

Enhanced Edition content: GAME DVDs: The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings game on 2 DVDs. WORLD MAP - A map of the game's world. QUEST HANDBOOK The Witcher 2 quest handbook for both novice and experienced role-playing fans.

Amazon.com

The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings is a single player Role Playing Game (RPG), and sequel to the critically acclaimed 2007 PC game, The Witcher. Based on the short stories and novels of Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, Assassins Of Kings continues the adventures of the Medieval monster hunter for hire, Geralt of Rivia, and his search for the truth of his forgotten past and the treachery surrounding him. Game features include: hack n' slash and magical combat, a mature storyline, game development based on choices in mission play and dialog chains and weapons variety.

In addition, the Enhanced Edition of The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings contains a variety of bonus items. See a complete list of these below.

The Adventures of the White Wolf Continue

After helping to stop the rebellion orchestrated by the Grand Master of the Order of the Flaming Rose, and saving King Foltest's life, Geralt, the most prominent of the genetically enhanced, monster hunting mercenaries known as witchers, has become one of the central figures of political turmoil in the Kingdom of Temeria. Geralt continues to protect the King in the monarch's mission to bring peace to his state. The last bastions of the Order of the Flaming Rose yielded to the royal army, with the only remaining task to pacify the rebellious castle of Baroness La Valette, who announced separation from the Kingdom. But the attempted assassination of the king has changed everything. With the king not safe, and his own loyalties in question, Geralt begins his personal quest - to discover the origin and identity of the mysterious witcher-like assassin.

Key Game Features

Immersive and Mature, Nonlinear Storyline

The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings Enhanced Edition is a complex, expansive adventure in which every decision may have grave consequences. Its intense, emotionally charged, nonlinear story is designed for mature players, offering over 40 hours of gameplay, 4 different beginnings and 16 different endings. In the gameworld of The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings player decisions impact relations with other characters and entire communities, and may also influence the political situation in the Northern Kingdoms.

The adventures of the White Wolf continue in a true sequel to the events of the original game.View larger

Use your special witcher abilities in battle against enemies of all kind and size.View larger

A Realistic, Vast Game World

Experience and exceptionally realistic, vast game world, teeming with its own life. Explore numerous, highly varied locations, including the mighty La Valette Castle, the bustling dwarven mining town of Vergen, multiple border garrisons and fortresses, ancient forests, and the vibrant trading post and river port of Flotsam.

Spectacular, Tactical Combat

Spectacular, dynamic, brutal combat system featuring numerous tactical options, including advanced monster fighting technique. Combine real-time interactive moves like parry, dodge and riposte with combat based on RPG character traits to succeed in battle. New combat elements include ranged weapons (daggers and bombs), traps and bait, the magic Heliotrope Sign, as well as the ability to sneak up on and launch non-lethal attacks on your foes.

CD Projekt RED In-house Technology

PC player utilize the new REDengine, which adjusts the quality of graphics to the computer's efficiency, and allows players to enjoy top-of-the-line gameplay even when using the minimal configuration: Dual-Core 2GHz CPU; 2GB RAM; Graphics card GeForce 8800 / 512MB or equivalent.

In this day and age, it is quite remarkable that a game developer would rework its game, add new contents, and then offer it to Customers for *free*; but somehow, the rogue Polish developer CDPR (CD Projekt Red) have managed to do just that...twice.

Since I believe that most Customers already know that there is more than one version of TW2 available for PC - namely the EE (enhanced edition) and the OV (original version); and that the additional contents of the EE can be downloaded for free; and since I own both PC versions (and also the Xbox360 version), I think it'd be helpful to offer a brief comparative review of the package contents and features to start (of course, any adjective included is merely my opinion):

ENHANCED EDITION (published by WB)

- True to CDPR's pledge to fans and Customers, the EE is 100 percent DRM free right out of the box. There is no internet connection requirement whatsoever, no key codes, not even a disc check. Thank you to CDPR and WB for respecting their Customers.- All EE contents included- 2 game DVDs and 1 soundtrack CD are all in the same case- The game guide includes walkthrough for the EE contents- Better cover art- Standard DVD type slip-on cover.

ORIGINAL VERSION (published by Atari, or Namco Bandai for the Euro version)

- Comes with limited online activation DRM scheme. However, please note that the DRM can easily be removed by patching or upgrading to the EE altogether (to deployed Military Members, please be aware that either way, a solid internet connection is required)- EE contents not included. Please note that this is not a patch or a DLC; rather, the entire game - reworked with the EE contents - needs to be downloaded (free of charge), which is about 15GB.- The game DVDs (2 ea.) are in one DVD case- 1 bonus materials DVD and 1 sound track CD are in another DVD case (separately from the game DVDs)- The game guide has better binding, but walkthrough for EE contents is not included.- The map is slightly longer in length by about 2.5 inches and contains 1 additional illustration on each side.- The origami-like paper craft and the story-related "A Hog Named Henselt" pamphlet are included (not available in the EE version)- Thicker bookcase-type cover.- As the description for the OV indicated, there is also a Temerian coin included. However, since I moved a couple months ago and can't find mine right now, I can't confirm this.

As for the additional EE contents in specific, here are the improvements that I noticed:

- Additional cutscenes for the intro, in between-chapters, and post-credit to improve narration.- Better sounds overall. Eg. Geralt's voice volume is now higher (he seemed to be whispering in the OV), and additional sound-offs like "Oorah" or "Hooah" can now be heard throughout the military encampments, exercises, and operations (just like the source novels, TW2 is full of anachronism - 'this I like.')- The additional side quests in Act 3 for both Roche's and Iorveth's paths.- The side quest "Little Sisters" in Roche's path is now much easier to follow.- For those who dislike QTEs (quick time events - I call it sequential button mashing) now there is an option to toggle it off in boss fights.- You now can actually see the full impact of the major decisions made in regards to Temeria, Kaedwen, Vergern, and the sorcerers/sorceresses as shown in the end of Act 3 in Loc Muine (in the OV, you only heard about what happened)- and also in the epilogue as narrated by Dandelion.- Just for those who must know, there is now one additional possible sexual encounter in Iorveth's path. New total: 3 possible encounters for Iorveth's path vs. 1 possible encounter for Roche's path.

Note: For those who already played the OV and now just want to play the additional EE side quests, after downloading and merging the EE pack, load up a game save at the end of Act 2, and the side quests will be available and properly loaded in Act 3.

To the game itself, if you are not aware of it by now, first and foremost, TW2 is a game designed from the ground up specifically for the mature Gamers. Indeed, please keep the children away and out of both visual and audible range - because there are scenes and references of profanity, nudity, sexual intercourse, rape, torture, mutilation, and violent death here - even more than in TW1.

As an action RPG, TW2 is very good. Similar to TW1, leveling up is well timed; that is, as you progress through the story, you are leveling up at the right time and the right place. Thus, there is never a need to grind to level up (unless perhaps you are playing on "dark mode" difficulty, which is extremely challenging combat-wise).

In terms of combat, unlike TW1, TW2 is now a full-out action game that requires precise timing and hand-eye coordination. As is, it is definitely not easy to grasp for the novice or casual Gamers. However, if you keep in mind that there are always more than one way to overcome the challenge in combat, and you are willing to experiment, then it will be very rewarding when you discover your own way to success and domination.

For me, the highlight of TW2 is the story elements that make it stands head and shoulder above the rests. In addition to the aforementioned unflinchingly mature themes, TW2 is one of those extremely rare games that offer true branching story paths. To be more precise, depending on the choice you made at the end of Act 1, almost all of Act 2 will play out differently with a different story and in a different location. In addition, about 1/3 of Act 3 will also be different. Needless to say, the replay value is way off the chart here. And in order to see and to appreciate the scope of the whole story, you will want to play both paths.

Last but not least, the complex and layered story of TW2 is firmly set in a world saturated with different shades of gray. Thus, the decisions to be made - which, in conjunction with your own logic and morality and along with the half-lie and half-truth that you gathered - is neither right nor wrong ... There are only consequences. And regardless of where you stand on the notion of 'the end justifies the means', tread carefully, because you may need to do just that.

In general, in spite of which version of TW2 one chooses to go with - whether the OV or the EE, it is still an excellent game. In particular, TW2EE earned 4.5 stars in my book - to which I rounded up in appreciation of CD Projekt Red. Thank You for reading.Read more ›

ATTENTION: If you already own the game you can simply upgrade it to the Enhanced Edition version by use of the game's Launcher - for FREE (it is a 10.5GB download, mind you). Moreover, by setting up a GOG account and simply entering your game's serial number you are also entitled to a digital backup of the Enhanced Edition for FREE (that is a 15.6GB download, plus 2.8GB for all the extras). Why all this? Because these guys truly respect their customers. And yes, the game is DRM-free and the patch contains all the DLCs! However, if you do not yet own this masterpiece of a game, please read on._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In 2007 a small Eastern European game developer (CD PROJEKT)...teaches BIOWARE how to use their own Aurora engine. The original Witcher was the game that Neverwinter Nights had promised to be. Two years later BIOWARE picks up the glove and comes back with a strong response, the masterpiece Dragon Age: Origins. Unfortunately, its 2011 sequel does not live up to expectations. And this is all the opening the perfect sequel needed to come in and, once more, steal the show.

THIS IS HOW TO MAKE A cRPG SEQUEL!Although there may be Xbox and PS3 versions of this game later on, this is a game designed from start to finish for the PC. In an age when 5-6 years old consoles set the standard this is very important. From the brand new engine to the very last script line, everything that could be worked on was and everything that could be improved shows improvement. The story is now even deeper; the graphics are several notches higher; character development has been both streamlined and more balanced; equipping Geralt is now more detailed whereas loot is abundant.It is possible (although not necessary) to import your character from the first WITCHER. If, like me, you liked the original game, you will simply love the sequel.

LOOK AT THE SKY: IT IS THE WITCHING HOUR - EVERY HOUR!The graphics are simply A-MA-ZING! I like the way the rock formations catch the moving shadows and how the wind stirs up dust. I like the subtle movement of the grass and the exploding colors of the wild flowers. I like the textures of the clothes, the shine of the armor and the glint of the swords. I like the way the sun gets in your eyes and the way rays of light play with the tree foliage.What is also important, these graphics and dynamic lighting are achieved even on medium-built systems (Minimum specs: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz/AMD 2.5GHz, nVidia 8800/ATI 3850, 1GB of RAM for WinXP/ 2GB for WinVISTA&7).Even more impressively, the game is set in a day/night cycle, and this is reflected not only on the levels of ambient light but also on the activities of the surrounding world.

THE WORLD AROUND YOU COMES TRULY ALIVERemember how in most RolePlaying games approaching a Non-Playing Character (NPC) usually means he or she would utter any one of a small number of preset phrases? After a while, you have heard them all and it got very predictable. Well, prepare to be surprised. Again and again.This is a world you will truly be immersed into. A world that wakes up, goes to work, gossips, bickers and barters, and unwinds in the tavern. Walk the same streets at night and they are eerily empty. And that is without taking into account the ever changing weather!The immersion is so total for yet two other reasons: not only is the world fully open from the very beginning (no blocked areas or closed bridges!) but there are no loading delays between areas (only between chapters).

THE LIFE OF A WITCHER IS NEVER BORINGGeralt is a real warlock, combining a mix of sword fighting with potions and spells. These are the three main character developing trees, Swordmaster, Alchemist or Mage. Sword moves, potion ingredients and spells can be combined - and all choices are meticulously balanced.With the original WITCHER it took me a while to master the timed sword-strokes - but it was really satisfying after that. In the sequel, sword-fighting has been simplified to the classic mod - and that is one of the gripes I have with this game. The other is the short dialogue options. I like my cRPGs wordy.Now, the story is far from being linear. Choices matter and choosing a path will bifurcate the story, most of the times irrevocably. And the story in WITCHER 2 is as important as the fighting.What I also appreciated was the return of consequences. Those of you who have played BALDUR's GATE Saga know that bashing or picking the lock of a chest was a punishable offense if anyone saw you. In contrast, in DA-O you could rob the town blind and (quite unrealistically) the NPCs could not care less. Well, in this game, your character better behave or face the ever vigilant guards.

ADJUSTED TO OUR ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF BINDINGMost retail versions of the game came with a simple disc-check, implemented by SecuROM. If you own FALLOUT 3, for example, you have experienced the same thing. Compared to the customer-abusing schemes out there (UBISOFT's and 2K GAMES' ears should be burning at this point) I found this solution not ideal but palatable. However, it gets better, much better.The game is now DRM-FREE because all traces of SecuROM have been patched out by the developers themselves from day one. They chose to face ATARI's lawsuits in order to show their customers respect. Now only the STEAM version has DRM.THE WITCHER 2 gets full marks in my books in this aspect as well!Just for listening to its customers and doing this CD PROJEKT earned a permanent place of honor in gaming history.

A FINAL SPELLI have only praises for this magnificent sequel to a great game. It was one of the rare cases when I pre-ordered a game before I knew anything about it and was rewarded with a game that exceeded my highest expectations. I do have some advice for the game developers though.First, keep showing the same respect to your customers and you will see that gamers know how to repay this with equal respect and loyalty. And finally, when the mega-publishers show up at your door with their mesmerizing bags of money, try to remember what happened to so many great game developing groups in the past that did not resist to temptation.

The game will get a complete overhaul in April when the Enhanced edition will be released. However, because CD PROJEKT is a gamer's company (and not some greedy multinational), as owners of the original edition we will be able to download the Enhanced edition Patch from the official website - for free. As are all the DLCs by the way!

First, a quick bit of background. I play primarily FPS games. I occasionally dabble in RPG's. I loved Oblivion. I loved Skyrim. But most of my gaming time is spent on FPS games. As anyone who plays FPS games can tell you, that genre is stale. Every major FPS game is a sequel, and aside from some minor variations, you realize in about 30 minutes that most FPS games are almost exact clones of all the FPS games that preceded it. So, I look to RPG's for some variety.

Witcher 2 is indeed an RPG, but even within the world of RPG's, it is unique. The Witcher series are based on books written by a polish author. The games are steeped in the mythology of the books, and Witcher 2 simply thrusts you into this world with little explanation. No baby steps here. You learn from context that your character is a Witcher, which is a supernatural being that folks hire to slay monsters. The world of the Witcher 2 is vast, detailed, and filled with competing factions with a long history of distrust and racism. Humans detest non-humans (elves and dwarfs). Elves have been subjected to pogroms and massacres, and live in the woods as rebels. The Witcher's world is divided amongst competing kingdoms, and the kings wage wars based on petty differences. This is a detailed, rich world filled with interesting characters.

Witcher 2 was originally released in 2011 as a PC only game. It was released again in 2012 as the Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition on the Xbox 360. The Enhanced Edition added hours of new content, an improved tutorial system, and included some previously released downloadable content. People who owned the original Witcher 2 on PC can go to the GOG.com website and download a 14 GB patch for free, which updated the original witcher 2 to the Enhanced Edition. Because I am what they call "frugal," I purchased the original Witcher 2 (which is less than the Enhanced Edition) and then downloaded the free patch to update to the Enhanced Edition.

The game starts with the most amazing CGI cutscene I have ever seen. It is so amazing you will wonder why they don't make whole movies with this technology. The scene is important because it kick starts the story of Witcher 2 but isn't really placed into context for a while. (Mild Spoiler alert: the cutscene shows the assassination of King Demavand, which starts the story. End of Spoiler.)

The story of the Witcher 2 is complex. And violent. Innocents are slaughtered by their enemies. There is CGI nudity. There are sexual acts that make Mass Effect look like a Disney movie. This game plays like an R rated movie. The voice acting is flawless. The main character's voice is perfect and well done. You don't hear the same annoying lines from NPC's over and over again like you do some other games. (Hello, Skyrim!) The combat has a learning curve. You fight with a sword, in conjunction with powers (which the game calls "signs"). The fighting is real time, and involves a combination of timing your attacks and parries with evasive movements. It looks weird if you watch gameplay movies, but makes perfect sense when you are the one executing the moves. I found the combat quite gratifying and enjoyable. I tried playing the game with my standard keyboard and mouse set-up. I did some research and read that some folks really preferred playing the PC version with the xbox 360 controller. I switched to that set-up and found the combat much more intuitive. X for a quick sword strike, Y for a stronger attack (for armored enemies or massive gollums), B to use a power (incinerate was my favorite, and A to roll away or towards an enemy. For me, this set-up was much better than my mouse and keyboard.

The story places the combat in context and gives it meaning. You level up and develop your character, investing skill points in swordsmanship, powers (signs), or alchemy. There are different endings, and about 1/3rd of the way through the game, you must pick a path that plays out independently of the path you didn't choose. The ending I reached explained every loose thread of the complex story. I was very impressed with how much effort and detail went into every facet of this game, from the gameplay and graphics to the story and the story's resolution. You can really tell this game was a labor of love for the developers. I plan to go back now and play the other path. Two games in one? Bargain!

If you would like to play an original game that isn't a rehash of all games that came before it, consider Witcher 2. I did, and came away impressed.Read more ›